Latest news with #OperationSindhur
Business Upturn
16-06-2025
- Business
- Business Upturn
B.Tech in Defence Technology Launched at Symbiosis Skill and Professional University
Pune, Maharashtra, India: Symbiosis Skills and Professional University, Pune, has officially launched a new 4-year engineering program – in Defence Technology – starting from the upcoming academic year (2025-26). The curriculum for in Defence Technology has been developed by leading experts from India's defence industry. The subjects included in this course are aligned with job roles available in the defence sector. With a structure comprising 70% practical training and 30% theory, students will gain hands-on experience that prepares them for real-world industry work. To support this practical approach, a 'Smart Centre of Excellence – Manufacturing Lab' has been established at the university's campus in Darawali, Pune. Additionally, students will also get internship opportunities in both private and government defence companies. Students who have passed Class 12 with Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics are eligible to apply for this program. On this occasion, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between Symbiosis Skills and Professional University (SSPU) and two companies – Vasundhara Geo Technologies, represented by its Director Advait Kulkarni, and DSA Electro and Design, represented by its Director Ashok Subedar. Speaking at the event, Dr. Swati Mujumdar, Pro-Chancellor of SSPU, said: 'India is progressing steadily in line with the visions of Aatmanirbhar Bharat and Make in India. The recent Operation Sindhur has underscored the growing importance of the defence sector. The newly launched 4-year in Defence Technology program, starting from the academic year 2025–26, will offer students a new direction in their careers.' 'There are lakhs of job opportunities available in the defence sector. In the coming years, India has the potential to become a major global exporter of defence equipment, defence technology, aerospace technology, and manufacturing. Through this course, our students can not only find employment but also start their own ventures and export at scale to the global market.' 'What makes this program unique is that the entire curriculum has been developed by leading defence industry experts. The subjects are directly aligned with the skill requirements of current job roles in the industry. With 70% practical training and 30% theory, the course ensures hands-on experience for students. To support this, a Smart Centre of Excellence – Manufacturing Lab has been established at Darawali , Pune. Furthermore, students will get internship opportunities with both private and government companies.' 'Students who have completed their 12th grade with Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics are eligible to apply. For the past 8 years, this Symbiosis Skill University has been offering industry-aligned skill training as per the specific needs of companies. We currently have partnerships with over 250 companies.' 'To build a safe, strong, and self-reliant India, Symbiosis Skill University has launched the in Defence Technology program. Indian companies are playing a critical role in advancing military technologies and are creating employment for thousands of youths across the country. This program, with its integration of cutting-edge technologies like AI, Cybersecurity, and Autonomous Systems, is ideal for both male and female students. It offers them a unique opportunity to contribute to shaping the future of India's defence capabilities. This is a pioneering program in the emerging field of defence technology and manufacturing.' Major General Vinay Handa, while speaking about the curriculum and the growing trajectory of India's armed forces, stated: 'This course has been launched by Symbiosis Skill University at exactly the right time. Over the past 5–7 years, we have witnessed significant growth in the defence sector. India's defence expenditure on the global stage stands at Rs. 7 lakh crore. The annual global defence spending by India and other countries is increasing by 6–7% every year.' 'As per Prime Minister Narendra Modi's clear directive, the defence equipment used in India must be manufactured within the country itself, by Indian engineers and scientists. 75% of defence expenditure will be directed towards indigenous suppliers. This makes the course highly relevant, as it will prepare students to become skilled and proficient professionals in this field.' 'Students will not only be able to work in India, but also take up roles with private and government companies globally. In the future, this sector will gain tremendous importance, especially in areas like research, exports, artificial intelligence, and aerospace technology.' 'The global defence sector is valued at $2.5 trillion, with around 1 million job opportunities. In India, 65% of defence equipment is manufactured domestically, with over 430 defence companies and nearly 16,000 MSMEs operating in this space. In the year 2024–25 alone, a 42.85% growth has been recorded in Defence Public Sector Undertakings (DPSUs).' 'As this is a rapidly expanding field, there is a huge demand for skilled manpower. The new in Defence Technology program at Symbiosis Skills University will play a critical role in addressing this workforce gap.' Manish Bhardwaj said, 'Defence technology is extremely important for an Aatmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India). Just as 'Make in India' plays a vital role in nation-building, the Sindhur incident has highlighted the importance of the armed forces and technology for everyone.' 'The entire nation has witnessed the significance of defence systems developed by DRDO—such as missiles, Akash, BrahMos, radar systems, and drones. Students should not just focus on building their own careers, but also actively contribute to nation-building. The Sindhur incident clearly demonstrated the critical role played by DRDO. However, there is still a large demand for manpower in this field, and more research and development is needed.' 'Companies, academic institutions, and researchers must come together and contribute significantly to the country,' said Manish Bhardwaj, Technical Advisor to the Chairman of DRDO, while speaking as the chief guest at the inauguration of the in Defence Technology program. Dr. Swati Mujumdar, Pro-Chancellor of Symbiosis Skills and Professional University, presided over the event. Distinguished guests present included Sushil Kumar, Global Head and Vice President at Tata Technologies; S.M. Vaidya, former Business Head and Vice President at Godrej Aerospace; Shirish Deshmukh, Director of DIMA Manufacturers Association; Varun Khandare, MD of SRGF and member of the Defence Committee of MCCIA; and Harsh Gune, member of the Defence Committee, MCCIA. Harsh Gune, of the Defence Committee at MCCIA, said: 'In the past 10 years, India has made remarkable progress in defence and aerospace technology manufacturing. 'Make in India,' 'Aatmanirbhar Bharat,' and 'Viksit Bharat' are interconnected initiatives, and all are closely linked with Skill India. Only a skilled workforce can make these national missions a reality. While there are many sectors in skilling, defence and aerospace technology play a critical role in the country's security.' 'In the last decade, the Indian government has provided strong encouragement to large private companies in the field of defence manufacturing. Pune, too, is home to many such companies. These large companies rely on numerous smaller firms for raw materials—creating job opportunities even at that level. With start-ups, we can create job creators instead of just job seekers. This will help bridge the gap between academia and the defence sector.' General V.G. Khandare said, 'In the future, India has the potential to export technology manufacturing on a global scale. The global defence industry is currently valued at approximately $2.5 trillion and is witnessing significant annual growth. India's journey towards self-reliance in defence production is undergoing a historic transformation, supported by visionary initiatives such as the development of Defence Industrial Corridors across strategic regions of the country. In alignment with this progressive vision, Symbiosis Skills and Professional University (SSPU) has launched a new in Defence Technology program.' Following this, S.M. Vaidya, Shirish Deshmukh, and Sushil Kumar highlighted in their addresses that: ' There are tremendous opportunities for nation-building through research in the armed forces, innovation, new product development, start-ups, and job creation. System Engineering is not typically taught at most universities, but the SSPU program includes it in a highly effective manner. For critical systems, we should no longer depend on other countries—rather, we must step forward with new ideas and seize the opportunities ourselves. There is great demand for start-ups, in this field, and such ventures can also become highly successful.' On this occasion, Lieutenant General V.G. Khandare and Air Marshal Bhushan Gokhale conveyed their best wishes virtually and emphasized the future significance of this field. For more information about this course: 02027187768 / +91-7796638369 / +91-77796695604 / [email protected] Disclaimer: The above press release comes to you under an arrangement with Business Wire. Business Upturn takes no editorial responsibility for the same. Ahmedabad Plane Crash
India.com
03-06-2025
- General
- India.com
What's Happening at Pakistan's Nur Khan Airbase? US Control Revealed
New Delhi: Pakistan's Nur Khan Airbase grabbed headlines during Operation Sindhur, and now a video from Pakistan is going viral on social media making shocking claims. A Pakistani journalist alleges that the United States once had control over the airbase, restricting even Pakistani military personnel from accessing certain areas. The video lacks specific dates or official clarifications, and the journalist's identity remains unclear. However, the intrigue around this base deepens as we explore how it got its name and its surprising connections with Dehradun and Israel. In the viral clip, the journalist claims that US aircraft regularly landed at Nur Khan Airbase to unload cargo. When a Pakistani soldier attempted to inquire about these activities, U.S. troops reportedly pointed guns at him, barring Pakistani forces from entering certain zones. According to the journalist, even Pakistan's own military was denied full access to this critical installation. Located near Rawalpindi in Punjab, the airbase is important for Pakistan Air Force (PAF) installation. Formerly known as Chaklala Airbase, it was previously called RAF Chaklala during British rule. The base has historically been used by both Pakistan and American forces during times of strategic cooperation. The old Benazir Bhutto International Airport now forms part of this airbase. It also houses PAF College Chaklala, an elite training academy for aviation cadets. The airbase falls under the Federal Air Command and serves as the headquarters of Pakistan's Air Mobility Command. It plays a crucial role in logistics, VIP transport and strategic operations. The base is home to aircraft such as the C-130 Hercules and ISR (Intelligence, Surveillance, Reconnaissance) planes – which are vital for gathering intelligence, monitoring and reconnaissance missions. During the recent India-Pakistan conflict, Indian air strikes reportedly damaged this base – highlighting its military significance. As claims of American presence on Pakistani soil resurface, the Nur Khan Airbase remains shrouded in mystery – with ties extending beyond borders and linking Dehradun and Israel in a complex web of defense and intelligence. The full story behind these revelations is still unfolding.
Hans India
31-05-2025
- Science
- Hans India
Don't overlook society's role in knowledge acquisition, says Infosys VP V. J. Hanumesh
Tumakuru: Graduates should not consider education complete the moment they receive their degree, stressed V. J. Hanumesh, Vice President at Infosys, while addressing students at the convocation ceremony of Sridevi Engineering College on Saturday. Hanumesh emphasised the importance of continued learning and acknowledged the crucial contribution of society in the process of knowledge acquisition. 'Knowledge cannot be hoarded by any one individual; it holds immense value worldwide. Education is even more significant than food donation,' he remarked. Highlighting the collective effort involved in learning, he said, 'Your education comprises 25% from teachers, 25% from your own hard work, 25% from your peers, and 25% from society. Therefore, never forget the debt you owe to your community.' He also urged graduates to maintain good health and cultivate an interest in arts to enhance their thinking abilities, which in turn would lead to greater success. Dr. M. R. Hulinayakar, President of the Sridevi Group of Educational Institutions, lauded the success of Indian defence operations and technological advancements, particularly referencing the victory of 'Operation Sindhur.' He expressed confidence in India's rapid rise as the world's third-largest economy, driven by the determination of its youth and scientists. Dr. Raman Hulinayakar, Medical Director of Sridevi Medical College, encouraged the graduates to view their degree as the beginning of a new journey, wishing them a bright future ahead. College Principal Narendra Vishwanath highlighted the institution's commitment to technical education and appealed to parents for continued support in meeting the challenges ahead. He also spoke about the infrastructure and facilities provided by the college. About 250 graduating students took the pledge, administered by Academic Dean Dr. N. Chandrashekhar, vowing to use their education for the welfare of society and humanity. The event was attended by senior faculty members, including Dr. L. Girish, Head of the AIDS Department, and Dr. Lavanya Raman, Trustee of Sridevi Charitable Trust.
Hans India
30-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Hans India
NTR Film Awards honors cinema and real-life heroes
In a star-studded ceremony filled with emotion and grandeur, the Kalavedika NTR Film Awards 2024 were held to mark the birth anniversary of legendary actor and statesman Nandamuri Taraka Rama Rao (NTR). Organised by Kalavedika with support from the Telangana Department of Language and Culture, the event paid homage to NTR's cinematic legacy while also celebrating national pride. The evening stood out with the introduction of the NTR Desh Rakshak Awards, which honoured Indian Armed Forces personnel for their bravery in Operation Sindhur. Decorated officers like Major General N.S. Rao, Major Bharat, Group Captain P.R. Prasad, and Captain T.N. Saikumar were felicitated, highlighting the event's deeper message of patriotism. In the cinema segment, Lifetime Achievement Awards were given to veteran producers N.R. Anuradha and Chadalavada Srinivasa Rao. A commemorative edition titled Nata Sarvabhoumudu was also launched. Chief Guest Nandamuri Mohan Krishna shared heartfelt memories of his father, celebrating his unparalleled journey from actor to political icon. Other notable personalities like T. Prasanna Kumar, Madala Ravi, and Srinivasa Rao praised NTR's dedication to Telugu cinema and his societal impact. The awards recognized talent across 35+ categories, including Best Actor Vishwadev Rachakonda and Best Actress Roopa Koduvayur. The event also featured captivating dance and musical performances, alongside an inspiring documentary highlighting Kalavedika's 52-year journey. Overall, the 2024 NTR Film Awards not only honored cinematic excellence but also served as a powerful tribute to courage, culture, and legacy.
AllAfrica
12-05-2025
- Politics
- AllAfrica
Humbled and humiliated, India should look beyond Modi
The Pahalgam attack in Kashmir not only claimed 26 lives and sparked a losing military confrontation with Pakistan, but has also plunged Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi into an unprecedented crisis of credibility. The botched military response, where Pakistan reportedly shot down Indian fighters and at least one drone, has exposed new weaknesses in India's strategic vision, military prowess and diplomatic autonomy. The failures, from battlefield missteps to diplomatic capitulations, underscore the urgent need for reform and introspection to restore India's standing in South Asia and beyond. Ultimately, that may mean moving on from Modi's faltering leadership. The Pahalgam attack laid bare the persistent vulnerabilities in India's internal security apparatus amid the intractable complexities of the Kashmir conflict. In a knee-jerk response, Modi authorized a military operation, dubbed 'Operation Sindhur,' targeting Pakistan and Pakistan-administered Kashmir with airstrikes. The operation, however, faltered spectacularly by any credible measure. Pakistan claimed its Chinese-made fighter jets, armed with air-to-air missiles, downed India's French-made Rafale jet—a claim New Delhi has vehemently denied. If true, and the claims have by now been widely reported in global media, the loss of a Rafale jet to a supposedly less-advanced Pakistani adversary marks a humiliating blow to India's claim to regional supremacy. In a significant turn, apparently initiated after losing fighter jets to Pakistan's counterstrikes, India's Foreign Minister S Jaishankar and National Security Adviser Ajit Doval turned to Washington for mediation. Under American pressure, both sides agreed to a ceasefire on May 10, followed by commander-level talks on May 12. While the de-escalation has temporarily cooled nuclear-tinged hostilities, it humiliatingly underscored India's reliance on external powers to manage its regional conflicts—a significant, if not damning, indictment of its strategic autonomy. At the same time, the episode has spotlighted the enduring complexity and extraordinary danger of the unresolved Kashmir issue and the critical role of international cooperation in combating terrorism – all the while exposing India's diplomatic limitations to do so on its own. For decades, India has viewed South Asia as its sphere of influence, pursuing a regional hegemony akin to the Monroe Doctrine for the Indian Ocean. By cultivating influence over neighbors like Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and the Maldives, India positioned itself as the preeminent power in the subcontinent. However, the Pahalgam fiasco and the subsequent need for American intervention have shattered this narrative of dominance. Beyond Bhutan, where India's influence remains firmly intact, its South Asian sway is waning as external powers exert growing influence in the region. In Nepal, a Western-backed government defiant of India's preferences has challenged New Delhi's authority. Meanwhile, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and the Maldives are deepening ties with China and other global powers, further diluting India's regional leverage. This shift signals a reconfiguration of South Asia's power dynamics, with India's once-strong hegemony in clear decline. The Pahalgam episode has exposed India's growing vulnerabilities and will arguably embolden its neighbors to seek or double down on alternative alignments. Since assuming power, Modi has relentlessly promoted India as a 'Vishwa Guru' (world leader) and emerging superpower, touting strides in economic growth, military modernization and global clout. However, sober Indian strategists and analysts have cautioned that India is still far removed from superpower status, classifying it instead as a middle power with significant limitations. Now, the Pahalgam crisis and Pakistan's new claim of China-provided air superiority have dealt a blow to even this modest assessment. Curiously, the most piercing critiques of India's diminished stature emanate not from its traditional adversaries, Pakistan or China, but from its ostensible ally, the United States. Modi's self-proclaimed 'great friend' has subtly undermined India's position through actions like the November 2021 'Freedom of Navigation' operation in the Indian Ocean, which signaled American assertiveness in India's sphere of influence. The US-brokered ceasefire over the weekend has cemented this dynamic. Analysts are already speculating that the US may have extracted big concessions from Modi, possibly compelling India to accept unfavorable terms in a bilateral trade deal as the price of mediation. India, it should be noted, was hit exceptionally hard by Donald Trump's 'Liberation Day' reciprocal tariffs. This transactional diplomacy highlights India's eroding autonomy and relegation to a subordinate role in Washington's orbit. Far from being a peer, India is increasingly cast as a pliable ally, its superpower ambitions subordinated to America's strategic priorities. This raises troubling questions about India's ability to chart an independent course in a multipolar world. Modi's failure to grasp the cynical underpinnings of Western flattery has compounded India's strategic woes. Western powers often laud leaders they can manipulate, cloaking their praise in terms of their subjects' supposed strength and vision. Modi, misreading this tactic, has internalized the adulation as evidence of his own prowess. Upon assuming office, he appointed S Jaishankar, a diplomat aligned with Western interests, as foreign secretary in 2015 and external affairs minister in 2019, cementing a pro-US tilt in India's foreign policy. This alignment, however, has arguably yielded diminishing returns, as India finds itself increasingly beholden to American agendas. Domestically, meanwhile, the government-aligned 'Godi media' has played a pivotal role in inflating Modi's image, relentlessly portraying him as a strong and decisive leader. Dissenting voices—namely journalists, intellectuals, and activists—have been silenced through state coercion, creating an echo chamber that has insulated Modi from reality. This manufactured persona, however, has crumbled under the weight of the Pahalgam failure and the subsequent American intervention in the crisis. India's true strength lies in its economic resilience, technological advancements and strategic acumen, not in the hollow accolades of Western capitals or the sycophantic narratives of domestic media. Modi's inability to discern this has left India mired in a dangerous illusion. And the Pahalgam incident and subsequent military humiliation at the hands of arch rival Pakistan have arguably awakened a wider swath of Indians to the stark realities of their country's limitations and Modi's failings. At the same time, the crisis presents India with a critical opportunity for introspection and change. India must prioritize economic revitalization, military modernization and a recalibrated foreign policy to reclaim its waning regional influence and power. Building trust with neighbors is essential to restoring India's regional clout. Equally important is reducing dependence on Western powers, particularly the US, by pursuing a more balanced and assertive diplomacy that reflects India's unique geopolitical realities. India's ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA) now faces a pivotal post-Pahalgam decision: continue with Modi at the helm or to seek new leadership? Modi's penchant for crude strategizing, susceptibility to flattery and diplomatic missteps appear increasingly ill-suited for navigating the complexities of today's multipolar world. A new leader could steer India toward a more pragmatic and effective course. The Pahalgam attack and its fallout have put India in a profound crisis, one that has exposed the limits of its regional hegemony and the frailties of Modi's leadership. India's superpower ambition, nurtured by years of grandiose rhetoric and macho posturing, has been shattered by Pahalgam's upshots. As South Asia's power dynamics shift, India needs bold reforms to redefine its role on the global stage. The longer Modi clings to power, the greater the peril to India's standing. Pahalgam has laid bare, among other things, that it's time for a post-Modi course correction. Bhim Bhurtel is on X at @BhimBhurtel
